Page 60 - 2026 VB Community Profile

CHAMBER

Annual Meeting Celebrates

Chamber’s 70th Anniversary

Honorees Recognized for Citizen, Business, Ambassador,

Mover & Shaker of the Year

The Chamber’s Annual Meeting, held ability to enlist many volunteers, sharing STEAM Camp, art classes and workshops
June 12, was one of the most special her vision with her board of directors for children and adults of all ages, sip-and-
celebrations in 2025. Not only because and cultivating numerous donors and paint parties, and gallery shows, to name
of the Business Resource Center nearing supporters continues to benefit the a few.
completion, but it also marked the 70th organization today, even after she has Since the move to Arts On Main, her
Anniversary of the Van Buren Chamber of retired. She was always zealous in her vision has continued to evolve with the
Commerce. commitment to engage, expose and addition of ceramics classes, culinary arts,
“We have a lot to be proud of,” said educate the community – adults and and theater shows and film festivals at the
Chamber President and CEO, Julie children – in the value and lifelong passion adjacent King Opera House.
Murray, at the beginning of the program. for the arts. Throughout the state of Arkansas, Arts
“We are about to move into a new era for Owen started many programs at On Main is recognized as the premier
the Chamber, and at 70 years old, we’re the Center for Art & Education that facility of its kind, and continues to be
better prepared than ever to work with still continue today at Arts On Main, a tremendous asset to the River Valley
our members to help their businesses including Summer Art Camps for Kids, region.
prosper.” Arts in Education for Elementary students, The mission of Arts On Main was
The day began with the annual
Business Expo, with members hosting B Bringing the World Closer to Our Customers
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tables and visiting with attendees about
their products and services. Traffic was
steady throughout the morning, leading
to the banquet at which the special award
recipients were recognized
Iverson Riggs Citizen of the Year
Jane Owen – Retired Executive
Director, Center for Art &
Education

During Owen’s tenure at the Center
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for Art & Education, the organization grew 2 2020 Riverfront Rd., Van Buren (479) 410-1557
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from a small club with a love for art to, in
2022, restoring and relocating to a 20,000
square foot, $7 million facility with a full- CRAWFORD COUNTY’S ONLY Delivery Available!
time staff of six and nearly a $1 million LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED
annual budget, now called Arts On Main. OFFICE PRODUCTS STOREFRONT Shop Online!
She began as Executive Director in
1996, and transformed the club into a Huge Variety of Supplies for Any Business!
non-profit organization with a board of Office Supplies Breakroom
directors and a vision. Shortly after she Technology & Healthcare Supplies
took over the leadership, the organization Communication Office Furniture
acquired a 3,000 square foot, 100-year old
former church building and she was the Cleaning & Janitorial Ink & Toner
only full-time staff member, operating on 479.474.3632 SwaimOffice.com
an annual budget of less than $30,000. 13 South 12th Street • Van Buren, AR 72956
Her talents of hard work and the
60 Van Buren Chamber 2026 Community Profile vanburenchamber.org